Spirit Rock is a
mindfulness meditation center in the Buddhist tradition, located off Sir
Francis Drake Boulevard in the San Geronimo Valley, Marin County, CA.
The popular center offers a number of day-long classes as well as
three-day and week-long and longer retreats - and it's one of the most
peaceful places on the planet. I occasionally work in the kitchen which
serves those who are attending
the frequent retreats (always vegetarian, and incredibly creative).
If the spiritual aspects of the place don't interest visitors, the setting, in gorgeous San Geronimo Valley, offers a number of
accommodations off-site from Spirit Rock. And, there are
the trails on site, which are open to all, with the exception of the upper part
of the center near the retreat lodgings, which are held for those on
retreat. The paths lace the golden California
hills interspersed with pines and oaks, and in spring, wildflowers.

To
access the most commonly used trail, park in the first gravel lot off
Sir Francis Drake, and walk behind the little parking booth - the
entrance to the trail is on your left. Feel free to go up to the main
building and ask any questions you may have about meditation, Buddhism
and classes and retreats - and there's a great store there, too.